April 26, 1943 ­– June 26, 2010

Bright, caring, funny and pathologically disorganized, our friend died on June 26, interestingly during Gay Pride week. Openly and defiantly gay before it was fashionable, he was passionate about politics and particularly gay issues, subjects about which he could argue strenuously. Years before the idea of same-sex marriage was taken seriously, he insisted that it was the only factor that would legally equalize gays and straights.

John was born and raised on Chicago's Southside. A comfortable inheritance allowed him the luxury of non-employment. His only steady job was a ten-year stint with the Chicago Police Department's 911 call center.

He became an active original member of the Chicago Gay Alliance and hlped found the Howard Brown Clinic, one of the foremost healthcare providers for gay men.

An avowed atheist, he was opposed to all Judeo-Christian dogma, which he perceived as homophobic, hypocritical and corrupt.

After moving to San Francisco in 1988, John participated in Prime Timers, Toastmasters, Gay Atheists and a brief flirtation with the San Francisco Unified School District as an elementary substitute teacher, an educational experience for all concerned.

A scattering of John's ashes is being planned. For details, contact Bill Thek at (415) 252-7282.

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